“Dead Ringer for Love” is a song by Meat Loaf, featuring a duet with Cher, released in November 1981 as the second single from Meat Loaf’s second studio album, “Dead Ringer.” Written by Jim Steinman, the song showcases the distinctive theatrical rock style that characterized much of Meat Loaf’s music.
Following the massive success of Meat Loaf’s debut album “Bat Out of Hell,” his follow-up album “Dead Ringer” aimed to replicate its dramatic rock sound. Jim Steinman, who was the primary songwriter for “Bat Out of Hell,” also wrote all the songs for “Dead Ringer,” including “Dead Ringer for Love.” The song features a dynamic duet with Cher, adding a powerful contrast to Meat Loaf’s robust vocals.
“Dead Ringer for Love” is a rock and roll anthem about the wild, passionate, and often tumultuous nature of love. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who embrace the excitement and chaos of their relationship. The chorus, “Rock and roll and brew / Rock and roll and brew / They don’t mean a thing when I compare them next to you,” emphasizes the intensity and priority of their love over other pleasures and vices.
“Dead Ringer for Love” was a commercial success in Ireland (number 2) and the United Kingdom, where it reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The song helped to bolster the overall success of the “Dead Ringer” album, which achieved platinum status in the UK. In the United States, while not as commercially successful as Meat Loaf’s previous singles, it still garnered significant radio airplay and remains a fan favorite.
Meat Loaf & Cher – Dead Ringer for Love – Lyrics